Memoir Authors discussion
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Group Members must be Memoirists!
It looks Great! Thanks for making it available.
Faith wrote: "It looks Great! Thanks for making it available."You're welcome! And anyone struggling to find their cover image can still get in touch with me - there may be a way around it.
June wrote: "my recently ended 2 day promo on Amazon generated 9026 free downloads. and shot me up to #28 at my highest point on the ratings and #1 in 'military and spies..."CONGRATULATIONS June!!! That is wonderful news. I have found that after great free promos like that my book sales went extremely well for about 2 weeks and then petered out (well went back to normal). I hope this happens with your book! At the very least, people will start reading it and (hopefully) reviewing it on Amazon, though let me warn you that this does take time, sometimes a couple of months. Don't be impatient and don't give up! Next time you won't have to pay for the freeby promo, you can do it yourself! I have all the links where you can add your books. Have added somewhere here before, but will blog about it soon too. ALL THE BEST! xxxx
Just a quick note to everyone who's already joined the memoirs only library.Googled memoirsonly yesterday and all the books (individually) showed up on the first 10 pages. With the exception of one other entry we completely dominated page 8.
The blog is going well with a current monthly average of 73 unique visitors a day (lowest number 32, highest number 126) and, by this afternoon the drafts section will be loaded up for 3 blogs a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) until the end of March, will then start loading up for 2 blogs a week to end of April.
Onwards and Upwards!!!!
I mentioned earlier that my book called "Songbook for Haunted Boys and Girls" will be out soon. It's certainly a memoir though the approach isn't traditional. The reason I popped in today is to mention another book. It's simply called "Autobiography" by John Cowper Powys. Henry Miller said it was "the greatest, the most magnificent autobiography ever written." Just sayin'. It's on Amazon and abe in trade paperback.
Richard wrote: "Just a quick note to everyone who's already joined the memoirs only library.Googled memoirsonly yesterday and all the books (individually) showed up on the first 10 pages. With the exception of ..."
That is wonderful! Thank you for your hard work!
Hi Richard,How do I get my book "My Secret Barack: Crowning The King" listed in the library?
Krista
Krista wrote: "Hi Richard,How do I get my book "My Secret Barack: Crowning The King" listed in the library?
Krista"
You've got your 4 stars minimum (goodreads). Just message me your details, website, twitter, blogs etc. and you'll be on the library by the weekend
My memoir is in the works; I'm wondering if you are allowed to put the beginning of it up on Goodreads? My beginning; however is a poem I wrote which describes the title of the book.
I have the same question as Phylis--my book is near finished and I would like to post the prologue and maybe a bit more...as I've mentioned in the 'introduce yourself' section, my book is mostly fictionalized with the exception of letters and journal entries.
Yes, you can add your unpublished writing to Goodreads."If you are a writer but have not yet published a book, you may want to check out the writing section of your profile where you can post your writing for others to read and review."
I think this is the link - http://www.goodreads.com/story
If not, you should see it on your profile. I think it's a great idea.
My latest memoir, 'Deadly Encounters', is almost ready to publish. I talk about the time I was asked by two notorious Newcastle gangsters to write their biographies also my experiences mixing with the underworld and the impact it had on my life.
David wrote: "My latest memoir, 'Deadly Encounters', is almost ready to publish. I talk about the time I was asked by two notorious Newcastle gangsters to write their biographies also my experiences mixing with ..."Glad to see you survived! And Welcome!
Yes, wrote a memoir. Revising, polishing, submitting to agents. Dealing with various issues of what to include or remove, names to change, etc. Thus, not yet doing any heavy duty promoting.
Interesting, Bohdan, to see another WWII childhood author. I'm one, too, but done in one volume only as the story only goes up to the 1960s. My German husband and I, his English wife, share our stories of Nazi Germany and the London Blitz. Unfortunately I don't have a Kindle, so will have to wait for your books. See mine at http://home.earthlink.net/~schaefer234/ Jill Schaefer
Thanks for the info, Bohdan. Will look into it with Amazon. Jill
I have just finished my ultra personal memoir/poetry book...I can only say, I hope writing your memoir isn't/wasn't as painful as it was for me!
Hi everybody,Did you know that Amazon Kindle books are unavailable for download in Africa? I live in Cairo and have only been able to read two memoirs written by members of the group because my son downloaded them on his laptop for me when I visited him in Europe. I can't even download my own memoir.
So long as this remains so, we'll all be missing out on sales. There are a great many avid readers in Africa.
Emigrating Home
Yasseen wrote: "Hi everybody,Did you know that Amazon Kindle books are unavailable for download in Africa? I live in Cairo and have only been able to read two memoirs written by members of the group because my so..."
Yasseen wrote: "Hi everybody,
Did you know that Amazon Kindle books are unavailable for download in Africa? I live in Cairo and have only been able to read two memoirs written by members of the group because my so..."
Yasseen wrote: "Hi everybody,
Did you know that Amazon Kindle books are unavailable for download in Africa? I live in Cairo and have only been able to read two memoirs written by members of the group because my so..."
Hi Yasseen. Glad to hear you are keeping your head above troubled waters ( or sands) but sorry to hear about sorry book situation out your way. What can we do about it Leila, anyone?
Don't know why the repetitions of Yasseen's comments printed above.
Elly wrote: "I have just finished my ultra personal memoir/poetry book...I can only say, I hope writing your memoir isn't/wasn't as painful as it was for me!"
For me it was cathartic, life-altering.
I have purchased a program to write my memoir and have written the first two sentences....Still figuring it out...
Pauline wrote: "I have purchased a program to write my memoir and have written the first two sentences....Still figuring it out..."
Which program are you using Pauline?
Yasseen wrote: "Hi everybody,Did you know that Amazon Kindle books are unavailable for download in Africa? I live in Cairo and have only been able to read two memoirs written by members of the group because my so..."
Hi Yasseen, that is strange. We can get them here in South Africa. The other option is for you to approach authors directly, to email you a copy of their books. If you were interested in anyone's book on this group, I'm sure they would gladly email it to you. Do you have an e-reading device that would read mobi files, or would pdf suit you better?
Hello Leila,Please forgive the tardiness in replying to your post. It is interesting that you can download books in South Africa. My post--sorry--was a bit inaccurate. The message I get when I click on a book on the Kindle website is: "This title is not available for customers from your location in: Africa." My location is Cairo. So I suppose the message is specific for Cairo rather than all Africa. We here, for some reason, are beyond the pale.
Thank you for your suggestion about Emailing me a book.I do have an app on my laptop downloaded from the Kindle website. Haven't used it for some time and hope it still works and hasn't been outdated, updated or made redundant in the meantime. I should particularly like to read your memoir. But I would rather wait to go abroad on holiday again, which I may do in the summer,in order to do that.
Thinking about it I realise that things here are too unsettled for me to do any serious reading or writing. So I guess I'll buy it then or wait till you give us another freebie. But thank you again for your kind offer. I do appreciate it.
Yasseen
Pleasure Yasseen. Do message me when you are ready and I will gladly email you the kindle version of my book :)
Rossandra wrote: "Elly wrote: "I have just finished my ultra personal memoir/poetry book...I can only say, I hope writing your memoir isn't/wasn't as painful as it was for me!"
For me it was cathartic, life-alter..."
Mine was as well. People have repeatedly commented on how hard it must have been to write it all down, but that was the easy part. Clicking "Send" when inviting friends/family to my books facebook page was MUCH harder... and even though I have gotten a good response so far, there have been times when I've just wanted to pull the plug on the whole project - remove the books for sale, delete the facebook page, etc...
Then I get an email from somebody telling me they felt inspired by my story so I end up leaving it up...
Alas my memoir writing has stalled completely, though I'm ecstatic that some of my writer's block was solved when two of my ideas combined, which I hope will help. I think I can frame the story a little better now. If only I could get it down on paper...
I spent 2 years thinking about mine before I ever put pen to paper. Had it all planned out and outlined in my head. Then when I sat down to write it all out, it came out nothing like I had planned. What is your memoir about?
Steven wrote: "I spent 2 years thinking about mine before I ever put pen to paper. Had it all planned out and outlined in my head. Then when I sat down to write it all out, it came out nothing like I had planne..."It's stunning how differently authors approach their writings. I usually get an idea, sit down and start writing, and hardly do anything else until the first draft is finished (occasionally writing through nights and skipping sleep).
Yet, due to other writing projects (as well as editing my manuscripts and spending too much time on GR) I have been "pregnant" with another memoir (or rather non-fiction narrative tale) about our (presently 31) cats for several years.
I always find it best to start writing immediately once I have an idea, whenever time allows (or rather, can be squeezed). And once I have started writing, I try to stick to it because when I interrupt an already started writing project, I find it difficult to find my way into it again.
Hi Leila and everybody,YasseenI'm back again with what I hope is good news for all, not just me.I tackled Amazon Kindle on the fact that I couldn't download my own book let alone any other from my location in Arica, which is Cairo.
They wrote back: "We are in the process of making books available in Cairo. I've shared your interest with our business team, this will help us in expediting the process. Please keep checking our forums periodically for an update. We value our international customers and hope to make Kindle and related content available in more locations in the future..."
This should be good news for all authors because there are many, many ardent readers in many foreign languages in Egypt, especially English and French. Let's hope for a near future.
In all fairness I should add that Amazon did set out a number of steps for me to be able to download what they called "the converted content" of my book from one of their sites. I haven't tried it yet because while I'd jump at an opportunity to learn something like hang-gliding, fiddling around on the internet wipes me out and I don't want to sidetrack myself now. I am back at whittering away on Part 2 of my memoir, covering my often 'strange-to-me-times' as a semi-foreigner working in my own country.
Meanwhile I have managed to set up a freebie for "Emigrating Home" from Saturday, March 1 till Monday, March 3.
Yasseen wrote: "Hi Leila and everybody,YasseenI'm back again with what I hope is good news for all, not just me.I tackled Amazon Kindle on the fact that I couldn't download my own book let alon..."
Great news Yasseen.
Good luck with your free promo. Have you tried KDP's reduced price promo yet?
HI EVERYONE, I have read Yasseen's book ( set mostly in Jamaica) and it is a very enjoyable book.His road was rather different yet I could relate. I bought it - you are lucky to have this free offer. Grab it!!!!
Thank you June. Good on you, cobber, as a very dear Ozzie friend of mine in London would say. (Hope I've got it right.) I haven't tried the KDP reduced price promo yet. Don't know how it would work since my price is pretty reduced anyway. But shall look into it next time.Thank you again for your kind comment.Yasseen
Yasseen wrote: "Hi Leila and everybody,YasseenI'm back again with what I hope is good news for all, not just me.I tackled Amazon Kindle on the fact that I couldn't download my own book let alon..."
Congratulations! And thanks for the info.
Still writing mine but I think i better start blogging to work up even a small audience.
I found a facebook page to be more successful than a blog since it is more interactive. I involved those who 'liked' the page as much as possible (ran contests and kept them updated on the progress). I do have a blog, but I don't really have the time to dedicate to it.
Steven wrote: "I found a facebook page to be more successful than a blog since it is more interactive. I involved those who 'liked' the page as much as possible (ran contests and kept them updated on the progres..."I found the same thing Stephen. In fact, I have let my blog go almost inactive.
OK, we talked a lot about this at the Algonkian Writers Conference in NYC. So...It's YOUR problem that you think young people shouldn't read it. You can throw HUGE sex, violence and problems at young people and they CAN handle it. The issue with young people is that they usually need a happy ending of sorts. So, do not refer to it as adult content.
Second, your book may be a Young Adult book. Three authors actually CHANGED their genre to YA. They were in shock, believe me. Is your memoir first person? What age is the protag? Also, check your title and the way you wrote it. I think you have a few errors.
Nina
Please add this to your to-read list...PAULYANNA INTERNATIONAL RENT-BOY
Discover what goes on behind the glassy eyed smile of a male street worker. A stereotypical cliché? Perhaps.
I attempt to knock away any preconceptions about damaged goods using plain spoken truth. No added glam or grit, this is my unapologetic story. A social history report. (of sorts). Regards PDL
Victoria wrote: "Added Paul :)"Hey, thanks for that. :-)
Victoria wrote: "Good morning!I recently published a memoir Who is "I"? - A Journey of Malicious Intent and am having difficulty in deciding whether or not to list it as "adult content" on some we..."
I also had this dilemma. My story is about a young adult facing some issues deemed, let us say inappropriate to save me searching another word. I decided if I could deal with the reality, the young un's can probably read it. Who are we to patronise, hahahah. ALSO I think it is difficult enough to shift books.
My memoir, "Playing the Hand We're Dealt: Memoirs on Recovering from Suicide" will be available FREE for three days this week on Amazon Kindle. The free days will be Tuesday through Thursday (May 27 - May 29).
If anyone from this group reads it, a review on Amazon and/eor Goodreads would be appreciated.
Here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Hand-We...
Bekka wrote: "My memoir, "Playing the Hand We're Dealt: Memoirs on Recovering from Suicide" will be available FREE for three days this week on Amazon Kindle. The free days will be Tuesday through Thursday (M..."
I will read it as the subject affects me directly but it may take some time. I'm book backlogged and trying to save sometime for writing myself :)
Nora,I'm hoping to reach people impacted by the subject, so I'm glad you're taking an interest.
Bekka
Nora wrote: "Bekka wrote: "My memoir, "Playing the Hand We're Dealt: Memoirs on Recovering from Suicide" will be available FREE for three days this week on Amazon Kindle.
The free days will be Tuesday throu..."
Bekka wrote: "My memoir, "Playing the Hand We're Dealt: Memoirs on Recovering from Suicide" will be available FREE for three days this week on Amazon Kindle. The free days will be Tuesday through Thursday (M..."
Bekka wrote: "My memoir, "Playing the Hand We're Dealt: Memoirs on Recovering from Suicide" will be available FREE for three days this week on Amazon Kindle.
The free days will be Tuesday through Thursday (M..."
Just downloaded your book, Bekka, and will be glad to review, which I would like first to send to you.
D.Cross
Deanna,Thanks for taking an interest. :)
Bekka
Deanna wrote: "Bekka wrote: "My memoir, "Playing the Hand We're Dealt: Memoirs on Recovering from Suicide" will be available FREE for three days this week on Amazon Kindle.
The free days will be Tuesday throu..."
Memoir Authors
Books mentioned in this topic
Selling the Farm (other topics)Lost No More (other topics)
Who is "I"? - A Journey of Malicious Intent (other topics)
Emigrating Home (other topics)
With Love, The Argentina Family: Memories of Tango and Kugel; Mate with Knishes (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Yasseen (other topics)Yasseen (other topics)
Yasseen (other topics)
Yasseen (other topics)
Yasseen (other topics)
Your book is now on the library www.memoirsonly.com.
Check links at your end and let me know if everything is up to standard.
Faith,
Will have your book on there by tommorrow afternoon